Rizal Memorial Stadium — Kaya FC–Iloilo came out on top in the season’s first Visayas Clásico, earning a 3–0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu FC. The reigning champions extended their perfect start to the title defense with a fourth straight domestic victory, maintaining a flawless defensive record with no goals conceded.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute after Jovin Bedic was fouled at the edge of the Cebu box. Captain Jhan Melliza stepped up and delivered a moment of brilliance, curling his free kick into the top corner to open the scoring (1–0). Just ten minutes later, Iloilo doubled their lead after a well-worked sequence. Melliza rolled the ball back to Audie Menzi on the right flank, who slipped the ball into Mike Ott inside the six-yard box for a brave finish—following up his own effort to make sure it crossed the line and giving Kaya a 2–0 cushion heading into the break.
The Gentle Giants pressed forward in the second half in search of a way back into the match, but Kaya’s midfield held firm and the backline stood strong to keep them at bay. Holding their advantage with composure, the defending champions sealed the result in the 88th minute. Mike Ott turned provider, slipping the ball to Brandon Zambrano at the edge of the box, where he sorted his feet before smashing home a left-footed strike—his first goal in Kaya colors. (3-0)
Cebu showed signs of fatigue, coming off a taxing Shopee Cup match earlier in the week, but Kaya gave no quarter and imposed themselves from the start. The champions showcased their attacking quality in breaking down a compact low block, while also demonstrating defensive solidity when tested.
In high spirits after the victory, the team now faces a quick turnaround as focus shifts back to the AFC Champions League Two, the team traveling to South Korea for a clash with Pohang Steelers.
Starting Lineup: 4-3-3
LF: Daniels ST: Bedic RF: Melliza©
CM: Ott CDM: Muens CM: Esso
LB: Arboleda CB: Casambre CB: Yamazaki RB: Menzi
GK: Cortez
Subs: Bata, Zambrano, Angeles, Diano, Rota, Del Rosario, Bugas, Rey
Coach Yu Hoshide made five personnel changes in this match:
- Paolo Bugas and Martini Rey came on for Kenshiro Daneils and Jovin Bedic in the 60th minute.
- Brandon Zambrano checked in for Eric Esso in the 72nd.
- Mar Diano relieved Audie Menzi in the 83rd.
- Lastly, Simone Rota replaced Fitch Arboleda in the 89th to close the game out.
As for bookings, four Kaya players made their way into the referee’s book in this physical match. Jhan Melliza, Audie Menzi, Gavin Muens, and Kaishu Yamazaki received yellow cards in the 12th, 28th, 66th, and 71st minutes, respectively.
